S2 · E7 · 74 min
In this important conversation, I sit down with activist and advocate, William Hornby, to talk about the overlooked reality that males are still under represented in research, diagnosis, treatment and literature about eating disorders and body image struggles.
We explore how eating disorders can present differently in males, the growing pressure males face to achieve a particular body, and the connection between eating disorders and body dysmorphia. We also discuss the powerful influence of social media, including the images, messages, and ideals that can shape how males see their bodies and themselves.
We talk about fat activism, weight stigma, and complications around language/terminology in the eating disorder field, such as diagnostic criteria or the difference between body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality. We look at where these conversations can be helpful, where they can become challenging, and why nuance matters when we’re talking about bodies, health, and what being recovered means.
Most importantly, this is a conversation about creating greater awareness and making sure males who are struggling know they are not alone, and that becoming fully recovered is possible.
About William
William Hornby is an advocate at the forefront of raising awareness for men with eating disorders with over 400,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok combined (@williamhornby). He is cited by many men as the inspiration behind their recovery and by many people as helping them save their own lives. He has a growing following on his Substack, Recovering with Spite and Love.
William spoke alongside Chelsea Clinton at the United Nations Headquarters for World Eating Disorders Action Day in May of 2025. He was honored as the endnote speaker at the Multi-Disciplinary Eating Disorders Association conference in 2024 where he gave his keynote speech, The Power of Becoming the Advocate You Needed.
He has worked closely with the major eating disorder nonprofits the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Project HEAL, MEDA. He was part of the inaugural class of the Young Leader Council at the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and Action.
It is his wish to encourage those who have gone through something they felt unsupported in to be they advocate they themselves once needed. In addition to his advocacy work, he is also a recording artist, a pumpkin carver, a singer, a dancer, and a writer.
williamhornby.com
TikTok: @williamhornby
IG: @williamhornby
Carolyn Costin is a world-renowned eating disorder clinician, author, and speaker. Recovered from anorexia, she pioneered the belief that full recovery is possible. Founder of Monte Nido, she transformed treatment with a holistic, home-based model. She later founded the Carolyn Costin Institute, training coaches and clinicians worldwide. She has authored six books, including 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder.
Receive 20% off the 8 Keys to Recovering from an Eating Disorder book: wwnorton.com/promo/costin
Become a Carolyn Costin Certified Recovery Coach →
Follow the Carolyn Costin Institute on Instagram →
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) →
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